Supercell is the most powerful of all thunderstorms. A strong revolving air current moving in the upward direction characterizes a supercell. The rotating updraft distinguishes supercell from all other thunderstorms like multi-cell, single-cell and squall line. Supercell occurs in small, large or medium size. Depending upon the height of the air current supercell can also be classified as low or high topped.

Characteristics of Supercell

• At the top of the updraft a dome like feature appears.

• Supercell is mostly observed in North America. No precipitation occurs with supercell thunderstorm. However hail and rains accompany it. The main updraft zone is called the precipitation free base.

• Wall cloud envelops the downdraft of supercell. The wall cloud separates the precipitation-free base from the precipitation prone area of this thunderstorm. Formation of wall cloud results from upward shift of rain-cooled air.

• Mammatus cloud serves as a cold layer within the heavier part of this thunderstorm.

• Precipitation area of supercell stands in the middle of the precipitation-free base and the precipitation area.

Types of Supercell

According to meteorological definition there can be different types of Supercell. The common definition describes supercell as Classic thunderstorm. All types of thunderstorms fall under the category of severe weather conditions. Low precipitation supercell comes with rain or hail. Heavy shower accompanies high precipitation supercell. High precipitation supercell is observed in the U.S. on the eastern bank of the River Mississippi and also in Ontario and Qubec in Canada. Lastly Supercell is extremely powerful and causes harm to living beings and property.